How To Keep Your Construction Site Free of Water Damage
8/11/2021 (Permalink)
There are many things that can delay the construction process of your new commercial building in Ogden, UT. Malfunctioning equipment or delays in paperwork approval are likely to disrupt the timeline of the overall project, and that is not something you can always avoid. Other issues such as water damage, however, can usually be prevented through timely water pipe repair, proper drainage, or effective tarping. Here are some ways to ensure that your project isn't unnecessarily derailed
Building Envelope Protection
As the building is being erected, there are several ways to prevent water from getting inside, even if there are storms or flooding in the area. Measures should be taken when the crew is not present to board up or secure tarps over all the open areas:
- Doorways
- Windows
- Roof openings
The crew members should also identify other vulnerable spots in the structure as they finish up each shift so that they can cover those areas as well. Consistent protection keeps the crew from having to redo parts of the structure by preventing water damage in the first place.
Groundwater Awareness
Rain is not the only way that water issues can occur. Unexpected seepage from groundwater can lead to a flooded building in no time. Avoiding this problem is one of the benefits of a thorough land survey before construction even begins. Having a detailed map of the area where the site is located helps the crew avoid unpleasant surprises.
Good Drainage Practices
No matter how careful the construction crew is, accidents sometimes happen. For example, if a pipe breaks during testing, there will be some type of water loss, even if the source is shut off quickly. Having a good drainage system that diverts the excess water away from the structure already in place can minimize the damage it causes. The project manager can then focus on finding someone to complete fast water pipe repair and complete any minor mitigation that is needed.
Damage Mitigation
A broken pipe can lead to significant water damage, particularly if it happens overnight when no one is present to respond quickly to the problem. If this occurs, the affected parts of the structure will likely need water damage mitigation services before further construction can continue. The cleanup experts can assess the extent of the damage, tear out ruined materials and make sure the building is dry so that further damage doesn't happen. Then work on the project can resume with the confidence that no structural damage remains.
The construction of a new commercial building from the ground up is an exciting prospect. With the freedom of design and increase in control, it brings, however, it also comes with certain risks. Quick water pipe repair alone may not be enough to prevent water damage to the vulnerable structure while it is under construction. Having solid flood prevention measures in place can minimize damage, and putting trusted mitigation experts on speed dial can get the project back on track in a timely manner. Your contractor should be able to walk you through the measures the crew has in place to protect your building throughout the process.